A dental bridge can permanently close the gap in your smile. Your dentist can provide a bridge, which can replace a single tooth, or several adjacent teeth, that stays in place thanks to a set of dental crowns. The crowns are placed over the teeth that neighbor where you have a missing tooth (or teeth). The prosthetic is secured between those crowns. Once it has been placed, your bridge will be held permanently, and will be stable enough for you to use when you bite and chew. The stability also provides greater comfort, and will not interfere with your ability to eat or speak.
Why Addressing Tooth Loss Is Important
You should worry about even one missing tooth, because that loss is enough to put your oral health in jeopardy. Your risk is increased for additional tooth loss after you lose a tooth. The adjustments you make to work around a gap in your smile can put a strain on your jaw, leading to TMJ issues. There is certainly a cosmetic benefit to a dental bridge, but the functional advantages also merit consideration.
Functional Support For People Who Are Poor Candidates For A Dental Implant
Many people enjoy permanent prosthetic support from dental implants. Dental implants anchor your prosthetic by acting as artificial tooth roots. Unfortunately, not every patient will be a viable candidate to receive an implant. The process of placing them requires oral surgery, and not everyone will be in sufficient condition to undergo this. Poor jaw health can also make you a less optimal candidate. With a dental bridge, you can enjoy a permanent prosthetic without needing to go through oral surgery.
